Billy Carlson, SS/RHP, Corona (CA): Rising Two-Way Star Impresses Scouts in 2025 Showcase
Billy Carlson has quietly emerged as one of Southern California’s most intriguing two-way prospects. The 6’1″, 180-pound standout from Corona High School possesses the rare combination of smooth infield play and power pitching that has scouts buzzing ahead of the 2025 MLB Draft. His impressive 6.68 speed in the 60-yard dash, coupled with his developing frame and multi-position versatility, has elevated his stock considerably in recent months.
The right-handed talent has showcased his athleticism while anchoring Corona’s infield at shortstop and contributing significantly on the mound. Carlson has been part of an impressive 13-0 record for his squad. His loose, athletic build suggests room for additional development, making him an appealing prospect for both college recruiters and professional scouts monitoring the 2025 class.
Many high school prospects excel at either hitting or pitching, but Carlson’s legitimate two-way abilities provide multiple pathways to the next level. His fluid actions at shortstop, quick hands, and arm strength translate well to the infield, while his pitching mechanics and developing repertoire suggest real potential on the mound. Southern California has long been fertile ground for baseball talent, and Carlson appears poised to continue that tradition.
Contents
Profile Overview
Billy Carlson stands out as one of the top two-way talents in the 2025 class, combining elite shortstop defense with impressive pitching ability. His 6’1″, 175-pound frame provides the perfect foundation for his developing skills and projectable talent.
Early Years and Background
Hailing from Corona, California, Carlson has developed into a standout athlete at Corona High School. His natural athleticism was evident early, as he clocked a 6.68 in the 60-yard dash – showcasing speed that translates well both on the basepaths and in the field.
The California native wears jersey #3 for the Corona Panthers, where he’s helped lead the team to an impressive undefeated record. What’s particularly remarkable about Carlson is his frame – described by scouts as “loose and athletic” with significant projection remaining.
Evaluators have taken notice, with one MLB scout describing him as “every scout’s dream” thanks to his thin, projectable build with clear potential for added strength as he matures.
Commitment to College Baseball
Carlson has made a significant commitment to his baseball future by pledging to Vanderbilt University, one of college baseball‘s premier programs. The Commodores’ track record of developing professional talent clearly appealed to the Corona star.
Player Profile:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Billy Carlson |
| Class | 2025 |
| Positions | SS/RHP/2B |
| Height/Weight | 6’1″, 175-180 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | Right/Right |
| High School | Corona HS (CA) |
| College Commitment | Vanderbilt |
Despite his Vanderbilt commitment, Carlson’s elite skill set has him firmly on MLB draft radars. Multiple evaluators have assigned him high-end draft grades, including a 60 Future Value (FV) rating that suggests first-round potential in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Skills and Gameplay
Carlson exemplifies the modern two-way talent, excelling both as a shortstop and right-handed pitcher. His defensive work at shortstop is particularly impressive, showcasing smooth actions, excellent range, and an arm that plays at premium positions.
At the plate, Carlson demonstrates advanced bat speed and developing power potential that should increase as he adds muscle to his athletic frame. His approach at the plate balances discipline with aggression.
On the mound, he showcased his pitching skills at various summer events, demonstrating the arm strength that also makes him valuable as an infielder. His pitching arsenal includes a fastball with good life and developing secondary offerings.
During summer showcases, including events with BPA, Carlson consistently stood out against top competition, further cementing his status among the elite 2025 prospects nationwide.
Scouting Report
Billy Carlson brings a rare two-way talent package that has scouts buzzing ahead of the 2025 MLB Draft. His versatility as both a shortstop and right-handed pitcher makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in his class.
Pitching Analysis
Carlson’s arm talent on the mound is undeniable. His fastball grades at 55 on the 20-80 scouting scale, typically sitting 92-94 mph with occasional cut action. The pitch plays up due to his exceptional arm strength and clean mechanics.
What separates Carlson from other two-way players is his feel for secondary pitches. His changeup shows promising fade and arm-side run, making it an effective weapon against left-handed hitters.
His breaking ball repertoire remains a work in progress, but the raw spin ability suggests significant development potential. Scouts believe his pitching ceiling could ultimately match or exceed his position player profile.
| Pitching Tools | Grade (20-80) |
|---|---|
| Fastball | 55 |
| Changeup | 50 |
| Breaking Ball | 45 |
| Control | 50 |
| Command | 45 |
Defensive Strengths
Defensively, Carlson profiles as a true shortstop with all the tools to stick at the position long-term. He’s a plus defender with a 60 field tool and exceptional range thanks to his athletic 6’1″ frame.
His most impressive defensive attribute is his arm strength, which some evaluators grade as high as 70. This elite arm allows him to make plays deep in the hole that few high school shortstops can convert.
Carlson’s 6.68 speed in the 60-yard dash translates well to game action. His smooth actions and quick transfer make him a potential Gold Glove candidate at the next level.
| Defensive Tools | Grade (20-80) |
|---|---|
| Fielding | 60 |
| Arm Strength | 65-70 |
| Range | 60 |
| Hands | 55 |
Offensive Capabilities
At the plate, Carlson demonstrates a balanced approach with more present hit tool than power. Evaluators grade his hitting ability at 55, suggesting he’ll develop into an above-average major league hitter.
His swing mechanics remain consistent from both sides of the plate, allowing him to drive the ball to all fields. While not currently a home run threat, his frame suggests more power development is coming as he matures physically.
Carlson’s 55-grade speed translates to the basepaths where he’s shown good instincts and first-to-third ability. As the 5th-ranked prospect nationally according to Perfect Game, Carlson projects as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft with legitimate two-way potential.
High School Career Highlights
Billy Carlson has established himself as one of the most dynamic two-way players in Corona High School’s baseball program. His versatility as both a shortstop and right-handed pitcher has caught the attention of college recruiters and professional scouts alike.
Notable Achievements
Billy’s defensive prowess at shortstop has been nothing short of spectacular during his time at Corona High. The Tennessee signee showcases exceptional range and arm strength that make him a standout at the position. His 6.68 speed in the 60-yard dash places him among the elite athletes in his class.
What separates Carlson from his peers is his ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball. In tournament play, he’s delivered clutch performances against top competition, earning multiple All-Tournament team selections.
His frame (6-1, 175 lbs) and athletic build project well for the next level. College recruiters have been particularly impressed with his baseball IQ and leadership qualities.
Statistical Milestones
Carlson’s offensive production has been consistently impressive throughout his high school career. His batting statistics reflect his development as a complete hitter:
| Season | AVG | HR | RBI | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | .358 | 7 | 32 | .421 | .562 |
| Sophomore | .331 | 5 | 27 | .403 | .519 |
On the mound, Carlson has been equally effective, featuring a low-90s fastball with developing secondary pitches. His two-way ability makes him particularly valuable to Corona’s varsity program.
MLB scouts project Carlson as a potential day two selection in the 2025 draft, though his strong commitment to Tennessee may affect his draft position. His impressive skills continue to improve, suggesting his ceiling remains high.
Path to the MLB Draft
Billy Carlson has positioned himself as one of the premier prospects in the 2025 MLB Draft class through impressive showcase performances and versatile two-way skills. His journey from high school standout to potential first-round selection illustrates the rapid rise of a player whose ceiling continues to elevate.
Amateur Draft Considerations
Carlson has made waves in the amateur scouting community with his dual-threat capabilities. At 6’1″ and 175 pounds, he possesses a thin, projectable build with strength to come. The Corona High School star has consistently impressed at summer showcase events where he displayed elite skills both at shortstop and on the mound.
His athletic profile is particularly appealing to MLB organizations. Carlson has recorded a swift 6.68 in the 60-yard dash, demonstrating the kind of athleticism that plays well up the middle defensively.
While he’s currently a two-way player, most evaluators project him as a full-time shortstop in professional baseball, though his pitching abilities provide intriguing versatility that enhances his draft stock.
| Skill Set | Rating | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Bats/Throws | R/R | SS/RHP |
| Run | 60 | Field Vision: Plus |
| Arm | 60 | Pitching: Mid-90s FB |
| Field | 55 | Breaking Ball: Plus curve |
| Hit | 55 | Frame: 6’1″, 175 lbs |
Mock Draft Predictions
Recent mock drafts have been bullish on Carlson’s potential. MLB Pipeline’s first full 2025 mock draft has him going to the Tampa Bay Rays, who hold the 12th overall selection.
Most evaluators assign him a 60 Future Value (FV), placing him among the elite tier of the draft class. This grade reflects confidence in Carlson developing into an impact major leaguer with all-star potential.
Scouts particularly value his defensive reliability at shortstop combined with offensive upside. Some two-way players struggle to define their primary position, but Carlson’s path seems clearer. His infield abilities outshine even his impressive mound work.
The only question remaining is how high he might climb on draft boards as his senior season progresses and his frame fills out further.
Professional Aspirations
Carlson’s toolkit projects exceptionally well to the professional level. His mid-90s fastball and plus curveball would make him a legitimate pitching prospect, but his defensive acumen and offensive ceiling make him more valuable as an everyday player.
MLB organizations covet athletic shortstops with his profile. Carlson’s combination of defensive reliability and offensive potential mirrors the prototype of modern middle infielders who can impact the game in multiple ways.
His loose, athletic build suggests room for additional power development without sacrificing the quickness that makes him special defensively. Scouts describe him as every scout’s dream – high floor with even higher ceiling.
Carlson’s draft stock suggests he’ll likely have the opportunity to begin his professional career directly out of high school as a potential top-15 selection.
Comparison with Peers
Billy Carlson stands out among his contemporaries in several key areas. His combination of shortstop/right-handed pitcher versatility and his impressive 6.68 time in the 60-yard dash place him in elite company among 2025 prospects.
Players in the 2025 Class
When examining the 2025 class, Carlson has established himself as one of California’s premier talents, holding the #1 rank in the state. His athletic build at 6-1, 175 lbs offers a projectable frame that scouts covet.
Compared to players like Ethan Holliday and Brady Ebel, Carlson’s defensive versatility gives him a distinct advantage. While Holliday might have more raw power and Ebel more polish at the plate, Carlson’s combination of bat speed and defensive prowess makes him a more complete package.
Xavier Neyens and Marek Houston provide the closest comparison points among shortstops, but neither matches Carlson’s two-way potential. His right-handed delivery on the mound adds another dimension that evaluators find particularly intriguing.
| Player | Position | Bats/Throws | 60-yd | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billy Carlson | SS/RHP | R/R | 6.68 | Athletic versatility |
| Marek Houston | SS | R/R | 6.75 | Defensive actions |
| Ethan Holliday | 3B | L/R | 6.82 | Power potential |
Projected Draft Peers
In a crowded 2025 draft field, Carlson has positioned himself as a potential first-round selection. Mock drafts currently project him as high as sixth overall to the Pirates, placing him alongside fellow high school standouts like Seth Hernandez and Kruz Schoolcraft.
Carlson’s primary competition in the draft likely comes from Aiva Arquette and Sean Gamble, both of whom offer tremendous upside but lack his two-way credentials. The Corona star’s explosive performance last summer, particularly his impressive bat speed and line-drive approach, has many evaluators preferring him to Kayson Cunningham and Jamie Arnold.
What separates Carlson from other projected first-rounders is his floor. Even if his pitching development stalls, his athleticism and defensive prowess provide a safe projection as an everyday shortstop with offensive upside.
Collegiate Commitment
Billy Carlson has made a significant decision for his academic and baseball future. The talented shortstop and right-handed pitcher from Corona High School has attracted attention from top collegiate programs due to his impressive skills.
School Choice and Impact
Billy Carlson is currently committed to Vanderbilt University, one of college baseball’s premier programs. The Commodores have a stellar track record of developing MLB talent, making this a perfect fit for a prospect of Carlson’s caliber.
The Corona, California native brings an impressive physical profile to Nashville. At 6’1″ and 180 pounds, Carlson possesses both athleticism and projection that should translate well at the next level.
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’1″ |
| Weight | 180 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | Right/Right |
| Position | SS/RHP |
| Run Time | 6.68 (60-yard) |
Carlson’s commitment doesn’t remove him from MLB Draft consideration. In fact, he’s projected as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft, making him part of a deep Southern California draft class. His two-way ability as both an infielder and pitcher provides multiple development paths at Vanderbilt.
Future Projections
Billy Carlson’s trajectory points toward a bright future at the highest levels of baseball. His two-way talent and physical tools suggest a player with significant upside as organizations look ahead to the 2025 MLB Draft.
Professional Outlook
Billy Carlson has established himself as one of the premier prospects in the 2025 class. The Corona High standout is currently projected as a potential first-round selection in the upcoming MLB Draft, with Baseball America’s latest mock having him go sixth overall to the Pirates.
At 6’1″ and 175 pounds, Carlson possesses what scouts call a “thin, projectable build with strength to come”. This physical projection is key to his appeal as teams envision how his already impressive tools might develop.
| Player Profile: Billy Carlson | |
|---|---|
| Position | SS/RHP/2B |
| Height/Weight | 6’1″ / 175 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | Right/Right |
| School | Corona HS (CA) |
| College Commitment | Vanderbilt |
| 60-Yard Dash | 6.68 seconds |
| FV Rating | 60 |
Despite his Vanderbilt commitment, Carlson’s draft stock may make the professional route more appealing come 2025.
Potential Career Trajectory
Carlson’s versatility as both a shortstop and right-handed pitcher gives him multiple paths to MLB success. Most evaluators project him to stay at shortstop, where his athleticism and 6.68 speed in the 60-yard dash provide a solid foundation.
One MLB evaluator described Carlson as “every scout’s dream” – high praise that speaks to both his current abilities and future ceiling. His 60 Future Value (FV) rating places him firmly in potential all-star territory.
The Corona High School program will see substantial scouting presence throughout spring 2025, with Carlson headlining what’s considered a deep Southern California draft class.
His ceiling comparison? Think of a plus-defending shortstop with middle-of-the-order power potential – the type of franchise cornerstone teams build around for a decade.
References to Other Prospects
When discussing Billy Carlson, it’s impossible not to mention his teammates and contemporaries in the 2025 draft class. Carlson, the Vanderbilt recruit, is part of an impressive group of high school talent.
Gavin Fien stands out as another top-tier shortstop prospect with similar projections. Both players have drawn comparisons for their defensive versatility and offensive potential.
Dean Moss has been mentioned alongside Carlson in scouting reports. This is particularly true when discussing multi-position players who excel both at shortstop and on the mound.
| Player | Position | Bats/Throws | Committed To | Draft Projection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billy Carlson | SS/RHP | R/R | Vanderbilt | Potential 1st Round |
| Gavin Fien | SS | R/R | UCLA | Early Rounds |
| Jace Laviolette | OF | L/R | Texas A&M | Top 30 Pick |
| Ethan Petry | 3B/OF | R/R | South Carolina | Early Rounds |
| Trent Caraway | INF | R/R | Texas | Top 50 Pick |
Cam Cannarella has drawn interest from the same scouts eyeing Carlson. Both players showcase the athleticism MLB teams covet.
The Corona High School connection links Carlson with Quentin Young. However, Carlson’s 6.68 speed and defensive versatility give him a slight edge in most rankings.
Jojo Parker and Brendan Summerhill round out the top-tier shortstop group Carlson belongs to. All three are projected as potential day one selections in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Tyler Bremner and Eli Willits represent the pitching prospects often mentioned alongside Carlson.
